Sydney forward Tom Papley has hailed the tightness of the competition ahead of a stern clash with Geelong on Saturday.

The Swans will face the Cats at GMHBA Stadium as they look to bounce back from a 10-point loss to the Crows last Friday.

The Swans have three wins and two losses to their name ahead of the Round 6 fixture and Papley said the evenness of the league was great for the game.

“If you don’t play your best footy now you’re going to get beaten,” Papley said. 

“It’s good to watch and it’s good for the game. If the league’s so even it’s good for the fans.

“The Crows came out firing after a loss to the Pies and we couldn’t quite match it. We’ll bounce back this weekend against the Cats. 

“We’ve lost a couple now but we move on to next week and we’ve just got to take it week by week and we need to bounce back this week. We’ll work hard during the week and we’ve got to work on the things we’ve got to work on." 

The Swans had a tough day out in the clash with the Crows last Friday, being edged out in contested possessions (149-144) and failing to capitalise on an inside 50s win (64-48).

Adelaide also held the upper hand in clearances (39-35) and were led brilliantly by midfielders Paul Seedsman (26 disposals) and Rory Atkin (24). 

Papley said the Swans would have to be on the ball against the Cats. 

“We’ve got to do the basics well – winning the ball, being hard in the contest, tackling,” Papley said. 

“It’s just all the little things that need to go right to play well.”